Impact of left atrial volume, sphericity, and fibrosis on the outcome of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2018 May;29(5):740-746. doi: 10.1111/jce.13482. Epub 2018 Apr 6.

Abstract

Introduction: To investigate the relation between left atrial (LA) volume, sphericity, and fibrotic content derived from contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CE-CMR) and their impact on the outcome of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results: In 83 patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF, CE-CMR was used to assess LA volume, sphericity, and fibrosis. There was a significant correlation between LA volume and sphericity (R = 0.535, P < 0.001) and between LA volume and fibrosis (R = 0.241, P = 0.029). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that LA volume was the strongest independent predictor of AF recurrence after catheter ablation (1.019, P = 0.018).

Conclusion: LA volume, sphericity, and fibrosis were closely related; however, LA volume was the strongest predictor of AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation ablation; atrial fibrosis; atrial sphericity; cardiac magnetic resonance; left atrial volume.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnostic imaging
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Atrial Function, Left*
  • Atrial Remodeling*
  • Catheter Ablation* / adverse effects
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Fibrosis
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology
  • Heart Atria / surgery*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organometallic Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • gadobutrol